Lower and upper latch anchor use detection sensing device

ABSTRACT

A child restraint seat sensing device for a vehicle including a structural element at least partially defining a volume, wherein the structural element is located in a vehicle passenger seat between a seat base and seat back or is located behind the vehicle passenger seat, a stationary anchor in the vehicle, wherein the stationary anchor is located within the volume defined by the structural element, and a sensor mounted to the structural element, wherein the sensor is configured to detect whether a child restraint seat connector is attached to the stationary anchor.

INTRODUCTION

The present disclosure relates to a lower and upper LATCH anchor usedetection sensing device.

Airbags are utilized in vehicles as a safety mechanism to providecushioning and restraint of occupants in a crash with the intent ofreducing occupant injury. Airbags may be provided in various locationswithin a vehicle, including the instrument panel, headliner, steeringwheel, body pillars, etc. However, it has been found that deployment ofthe airbag generates forces that may be too high for children secured ina child restraint seat or for children below a certain size and weight.Systems were then developed to manually and automatically deactivateairbags associated with a given seat. For example, a weight sensingsystem may be used to automatically deactivate an airbag by sensing andmeasuring the weight of an occupant in a given seat. If the weight isless than a threshold, the airbag(s) associated with that seat isdeactivated. However, in some situations, the combination of a child anda child restraint seat may result in a weight measurement that is abovethe threshold for deactivating the airbags associated with that seat. Insuch a situation, without manual deactivation, the airbag may deployeven though a child is present in the seat.

Thus, there is a need for providing sensing devices for determiningchild restraint seat LATCH attachment usage in a given seating locationin a vehicle.

SUMMARY

According to several aspects, a child restraint seat sensing device fora vehicle includes a structural element at least partially defining avolume, wherein the structural element is located in a vehicle passengerseat between a seat base and seat back or is located behind the vehiclepassenger seat, a stationary anchor in the vehicle, wherein thestationary anchor is located within the volume defined by the structuralelement, and a sensor mounted to the structural element, wherein thesensor is configured to detect whether a child restraint seat connectoris attached to the stationary anchor.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the sensorincludes at least one of an optical sensor, a contact sensor, aproximity sensor, a potentiometer and an encoder.

In accordance with further aspects, the sensor is an optical sensor thatincludes an emitter, a reflector and a receiver, wherein the emitter andthe receiver are coupled to a first portion of the structural elementand the reflector is coupled to a second portion of the structuralelement opposing the first portion, and wherein when the child restraintseat connector is attached to the stationary anchor the child restraintseat connector passes between the emitter and the reflector.

In accordance with further aspects, the sensor is an optical sensor thatincludes an emitter and a receiver, wherein the emitter is coupled to afirst portion of the structural element and the receiver is coupled to asecond portion of the structural element opposing the first portion, andwherein the child restraint seat connector is attached to the stationaryanchor, the child restraint seat connector passes between the emitterand the receiver.

In accordance with additional aspects of the present disclosure, thesensor is configured to indicate a first output when the child restraintseat connector is attached to the stationary anchor and indicate atleast one of a second output and a third output when the child restraintseat connector is not attached to the stationary anchor wherein thesecond output is different from the first output and the third output isbetween the first output and the second output.

In accordance with additional aspects of the present disclosure, thesensor is configured to indicate no output when the sensor malfunctions.

In accordance with additional aspects of the present disclosure, thesensor is configured to indicate a first output when the child restraintseat connector is not attached to the stationary anchor and isconfigured to indicate at least one of a second output and a thirdoutput, when the connector is attached to the stationary anchor, whereinthe second output is different from the first output and the thirdoutput is between the first output and the second output.

In accordance with additional aspect of the present disclosure, thesensor is fore of the stationary anchor relative to an opening definedin the structural element for receiving the child restraint seatconnector.

In accordance with additional aspects of the present disclosure, thesensor is aft of the stationary anchor relative to an opening forreceiving the child restraint seat connector defined in the structuralelement.

In accordance with further aspects, the child restraint seat sensingdevice further includes a guide extends from the structural element aftof the stationary anchor and a spring, wherein the spring includes aproximal end and a distal end, the proximal end is mounted at theopening, the distal end is configured to slide between the structuralelement and the guide, and the spring includes a bend fore of thestationary anchor.

In accordance with additional aspects, the child restraint seat sensingdevice further includes a second sensor and a portion of the springincludes a reduced area, wherein the reduced area is at least partiallyaligned with the second sensor when the distal end of the spring slidesbetween the structural element and the guide.

In accordance with further aspects, the child restraint seat sensingdevice further includes a support arm extending from the structuralelement, a biased pushrod mounted in the support arm, and a spring,wherein the spring includes a proximal end and a distal end, theproximal end is mounted at the opening, the spring includes a bend aftof the stationary anchor, and the biased pushrod is configured tocontact the spring when the child restraint seat connector is attachedto the stationary anchor.

In accordance with further aspects, the child restraint seat sensingdevice further includes a spring loaded push button mounted at an anglein a support arm extending from a surface of the structural element,wherein the angle is relative to a direction of insertion of the childrestraint seat connector.

In accordance with additional aspects of the present disclosure, thechild restraint seat sensing device further includes a spring biaseddoor mounted in the opening defined by the structural element, whereinthe spring biased door covers the opening when in a closed position.

In additional aspects of the present disclosure, the child restraintseat sensing device further includes a second sensor including oneportion of the sensor mounted on the spring biased door and anotherportion of the sensor mounted on a support arm extending from thestructural element.

In additional aspects of the present disclosure, the child restraintseat sensing device further includes a swing arm mounted at the opening,wherein the sensor is a proximity sensor and the swing arm is configuredto swing towards the proximity sensor when the child restraint seatconnector is inserted into the opening.

In accordance with additional aspects, the child restrain seat furtherincludes a movable element including a smaller portion, wherein themovable element is movable by the connector and the sensor is configuredto sense the smaller portion of the movable element when the connectoris not attached to the stationary anchor and the sensor is configure tosense a remainder of the movable element when the connector is attachedto the stationary anchor.

In additional aspects of the present disclosure, the child restraintseating sensing device further includes one or more pressure sensorspositioned within the vehicle passenger seat.

According to several aspects, a child restraint seat system for avehicle includes a passenger seat including a seat base and a seat back;at least two stationary lower anchors located between the seat base andthe seat back, and at least one tether anchor located behind the seatback. The child restraint seat system further includes a structuralelement for each of the stationary lower anchors and the tether anchor,wherein each structural element defines a volume and one of the anchorsis located within the volume. In addition, a sensor is mounted to eachstructural element, wherein each sensor is configured to detect whethera child restraint seat connector is attached to the anchor associatedwith the structural element. The child restraint seat system alsoincludes a processor coupled to the sensor.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a pressuresensor is located in at least one of the seat base and the seat back,wherein the pressure sensor is also coupled to said processor

Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the descriptionprovided herein. It should be understood that the description andspecific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and arenot intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and arenot intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a child restraint seat positioned on apassenger seat in a vehicle in the forward facing position;

FIG. 2 is an illustration of passenger seats present in a vehicleinterior;

FIG. 3 is an illustration of an aspect of an anchor connected to a crossmember;

FIG. 4A illustrates an aspect of a strap or tether connector for a loweranchor or a tether anchor;

FIG. 4B illustrates another aspect of a strap or tether connector for alower anchor or a tether anchor;

FIG. 4C illustrates yet another aspect of a strap or tether connectorfor a lower anchor or a tether anchor;

FIG. 5 illustrates an aspect of a sensing device;

FIG. 6A illustrates an aspect of a bezel;

FIG. 6B illustrates another aspect of a bezel;

FIG. 7 illustrates another aspect of a sensing device including a door;

FIG. 8A illustrates an aspect of a sensing device including a spring;

FIG. 8B illustrates another aspect of a sensing device including twosprings;

FIG. 9A illustrates an aspect of a sensing device including a biasedpushrod;

FIG. 9B illustrates the sensing device of 9A wherein the biased pushrodis under load;

FIG. 9C illustrates a cross-sectional configuration of the pushrod;

FIG. 9D illustrates another cross-sectional configuration of thepushrod.

FIG. 10A illustrates another aspect of a sensor used in the sensingdevice illustrated in FIG. 9A, wherein the sensor is a rocker switch;

FIG. 10B illustrates the rocker switch of FIG. 10A repositioned due tothe insertion of a connector;

FIG. 11A illustrates another aspect of a sensing device, including aspring loaded push button;

FIG. 11B illustrates the configuration of the sensing device of FIG. 11Aupon the insertion of a connector;

FIG. 11C illustrates the configuration of a spring loaded push button;

FIG. 12 illustrates yet another aspect of a sensing device including adoor forced upward upon the insertion of a connector;

FIG. 13 illustrates an aspect of pressure sensors positioned within apassenger seat; and

FIG. 14 illustrates a plot of first, second, third and fourth voltagesindicated by a sensor, relative to each other.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is notintended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses.

The present disclosure relates to a lower and upper LATCH anchor usedetection sensing device. Lower anchors and tethers for children (LATCH)and otherwise known as e.g., ISOFIX or the Universal Child Safety SeatSystem (UCSSS), is an international system for providing attachmentpoints for securing child restraint seats in a vehicle. LATCH systemsprovide an alternative to anchoring child restraint seats usingseatbelts. FIG. 1 illustrates a child restraint seat 10 anchored to apassenger seat 12 within a vehicle 14 using the LATCH system. The childrestraint seat 10 rests on the seat base 13 and against the seat back15. The LATCH system illustrated in FIG. 1 includes two lower anchors 16a, 16 b (only one lower anchor 16 is visible in FIG. 1) and a tetheranchor 18 (the lower and tether anchors collectively referred to hereinas anchors 16, 18) associated with each passenger seat 12. In addition,the child restraint seat 10 includes straps 24 and a tether 26 forcoupling the child restraint seat 10 to the passenger seat 12.

FIG. 2 illustrates an arrangement of LATCH anchors in a vehicle 14. Thevehicle 14 includes a front driver seat 30, a front passenger seat 32 aand rear passenger seats 32 b, 32 c, 32 d (the passenger seats beingcollectively referred to as passenger seats 32). It may be appreciatedthat in some autonomous vehicles a driver seat 30 may not be present,just passenger seats 32. In the illustrated aspect, a set of loweranchors 16 a, 16 b (collectively referred to herein as lower anchors 16)is provided in each passenger seat 32, including in one or more rearpassenger seat 32 b, 32 c, 32 d and optionally in the front passengerseat 32 a.

In addition, in aspects, a tether anchor 18 is associated with each setof lower anchors 16 in the rear passenger seats 32 b, 32 c, 32 d andoptionally associated with the front passenger seat 32 a as well. Eachtether anchor 18 is positioned behind the rear passenger seats 32 b, 32c, 32 d on the rear deck 20. However, the tether anchors 18 mayalternatively, or additionally, be positioned at the vehicle roof, atthe back of a seat, on a vehicle structure behind the seat or at thevehicle floor depending, e.g., on the design of the vehicle frame andvehicle seats, and the seating arrangement. It is noted that if loweranchors 16 are present in the front passenger seat 32 a, the tetheranchor 18 may be located in the rear of the front passenger seat 32 a(and is therefore not visible in the present illustration).

With continued reference to FIG. 2, the lower anchors 16 are connectedeither directly or indirectly to the vehicle frame such as by a crossmember 34 a located under the rear passenger seats 32 b, 32 c, 32 d orintegrated into the passenger seats 32 such as cross bar 34 b integratedinto the front passenger seat 32 a or in captain style chairs that maybe located behind the front passenger seat 32 a (cross members 34 a andcross bars 34 b are collectively referred to as cross members 34). FIG.3 illustrates an aspect of a lower anchor 16 extending from a crossmember 34 that is integrated into a passenger seat 32.

As shown in FIG. 3, the lower anchor 16 includes two legs 38 a 38 b,which form “j” shaped hooks 40 a, 40 b that extend from either side ofthe lower anchor 16. The hooks 40 a, 40 b are inserted into openings 42(only one opening is illustrated) in the cross member 34. In theillustrated aspect, opposing the “j” hooks 40 a, 40 b is a loop 44,which is accessible to passengers and to which the child restraint seat10 is coupled to. As illustrated, the legs 38 a, 38 b are welded, orotherwise fastened together between the “j” hooks 40 a, 40 b and theloop 44. In additional aspects, the lower anchor 16 is welded, orotherwise fastened by a mechanical fastener 45, to the cross member 34.The lower anchors 16 are stationary and do not pivot or rotate relativeto the cross member 34.

Referring again to FIG. 2, the tether anchors 18 include a bar 48 thatis affixed into the support structure of the rear deck 20 (see also theinset of FIG. 1, which illustrates a bar 48 coupled to a support frame50 that supports the rear deck 20). If the tether anchor 18 isintegrated into the seat back (not illustrated), the tether anchor 18may be coupled to a cross member 34 that supports the passenger seat 32and similarly if the tether anchor 18 is integrated into the floor orroof, the tether anchor 18 may be coupled to a structural member in theframe.

With reference again to FIG. 1, an aspect of a child restraint seat 10is illustrated. The child restraint seat 10 includes a support frame 50.In the illustrated aspect, a lower strap 24 is affixed to each side 51of the support frame 50. It may be appreciated that, in alternativeaspects, a single lower strap 24 may be present, and passed through thebelt path route 52.

Lower strap 24 couples to the lower anchor 16 to retain the childrestraint seat 10 in the passenger seat 12 (see also passenger seat 32in FIG. 2). In addition, a tether 26 connects the upper portion 53 ofthe support frame 50 and child restraint seat 10 to the tether anchor18, providing stability and preventing the child restraint seat 10 fromtipping forward. While the child restraint seat 10 is illustrated in theforward facing position, the child restraint seat 10 may also be placedin the rear facing position. Depending on the size, weight, andpositioning of the child restraint seat, either both of the tetheranchor 18 and lower anchors 16 may be used or just the lower anchors 16may be used. As noted above, it may further be appreciated that when aseat belt (not illustrated) is used to attach a child restraint seat 10,in addition or alternatively to the lower straps 24, the tether 26 mayalso be used to attach the child restraint seat 10 to prevent tipping ofthe child restraint seat 10 forward.

FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C illustrate various configurations of child restraintseat connectors 54 a, 54 b, 54 c (collectively referred to herein aschild restraint seat connectors 54) used to connect the lower strap 24or tether 26 to the anchors 16, 18. In some aspects, lower strap 24 iscoupled to the lower anchors 16 using child restraint seat connector 54a or 54 b and tether 26 is coupled to the tether anchor 18 using childrestraint seat connector 54 c. If a single lower strap 24 is provided,the lower strap 24 is affixed at either end of the lower strap 24 bychild restraint seat connectors 54. If multiple lower straps 24 areprovided, each lower strap 24 is affixed at one end to a child restraintseat connector 54 and at the other end to a side of the child restraintseat 10. In aspects, the child restraint seat connectors 54 are the samefor both the lower anchors 16 a, 16 b and the upper, tether anchors 18.In alternative aspects, the child restraint seat connectors 54 are thesame for both the lower anchors 16 a, 16 b and the child restraint seatconnector 54 for the upper, tether anchor 18 is different from the loweranchor 16 connectors 54. And, in further alternative aspects, the childrestraint seat connectors 54 are different for each lower anchor 16 a,16 b and the upper, tether anchor 18.

To detect the attachment of a child restraint seat 10 to the LATCHsystem lower anchors 16 and tether anchor 18 in a passenger seat 12, 32by way of child restraint seat connectors 54, a sensing device 56 isincorporated into the structural elements 58 (or bezels 60) adjacent toat least one lower anchor 16 or tether anchor 18 associated with a givenpassenger seat 12, 32. An aspect of a sensing device 56 is illustratedin FIG. 5, which includes structural elements 58 and one or moresensor(s) 64 mounted to the structural element 58. In the illustratedaspect, the structural element 58 is in the form of a bezel 60 coupledto a cross member 34, or seat base 13, and located between the seat base13 and the seat back 15. The structural element 58 defines at least aportion of the volume 62 in which each lower anchor 16 or tether anchor18 is received. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the structuralelements 58 include the bezel 60 and the cross member 34, which define avolume 62. A lower anchor 16 is present being present in the volume 62.With regard to tether anchor 18, the bezel 60 is positioned in the reardeck 20, or at other locations behind a passenger seat 32 as noted, andthe bezel 60 defines a volume surrounding the tether anchor 18. Asalluded to above, the volume 62 may also be defined by alternative oradditional structural elements 58 to the bezel 60 such as the crossmember 34, the seat back 15, the seat base 13, vehicle structure, seatstructure, seat cushion, seat trim, or the rear deck 20.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate two aspects of bezels 60. In FIG. 6A, thebezel 60 is in the general shape of a five (5) sided box 66, whichdefines a volume 62 therein. In aspects, the box 66 is coupled to across member 34 or a rear deck 20. As illustrated, the bar 48 of thetether anchor 18 is located within the volume 62. Alternatively, a loop44 of a lower anchor 16 may be located within the volume 62.

In the aspect illustrated in FIG. 6B, the bezel 60 assumes an arcuateshape 68 with a volume 62 defined between the arcuate shape 68 and across member 34. Each leg 38 a, 38 b passes through a hole 69 in thesecond portion, or base, 96 b of the bezel 60, such that the loop 44 islocated within the volume 62 of the bezel 60. Alternatively, the bar 48of a tether anchor 18 may be located within the volume 62. In aspects,the bezel 60 is formed from a polymeric material, such as polyamide,polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene,polystyrene, polyoxymethylene, polycarbonate, co-polymers, blends orcombinations thereof.

Referring again to FIG. 5, a child restraint seat connector 54 isinserted to the volume 62 and coupled to the lower anchor 16 or tetheranchor 18 during use. As illustrated, a sensor 64 (or at least a portionof a sensor 64) is coupled to the bezel 60, or other structural element58, in a location where it is directly or indirectly triggered, i.e.,indicates the attachment of the child restraint seat connector 54, bythe insertion of a child restraint seat connector 54 into the volume 62and attachment of the child restraint seat connector 54 to the loweranchor 16 or tether anchor 18. The bezel 60 holds the sensor 64 in placefore of the lower anchor 16 or tether anchor 18 relative to an opening98 defined by the bezel 60. However, it may be appreciated that inaspects, such as those described further herein, the sensor 64 is heldin place aft of the lower anchor 16 or tether anchor 18 or in line withthe lower anchor 16 or tether anchor 18 relative to the opening 98.

In aspects, the sensor 64 is an optical sensor, which includes anemitter 70 and a detector 72 a, 72 b (collectively referred to herein asdetector 72), configured to detect electromagnetic ultravioletradiation, visible radiation, infrared radiation or a combinationthereof. The emitter 70 is mounted to a first portion 96 a, i.e. a firstside, of the bezel 60 and emits electromagnetic radiation or othersignals of a given wavelength, in the range of 0.1 to 100 microns,including all values and ranges therein such as 0.7 microns to 10microns. The emitter 70 includes, in aspects, a light emitting diode, alaser, or an incandescent light source. In other aspects, the emitter 70emits radio frequencies in the range of 0.1 to 10 meters, including allvalues and ranges therein. In aspects, the electromagnetic radiation orother signal is reflected by the child restraint seat connector 54 andthen detected by the detector 72 a. Alternatively, a detector 72 b ispositioned at, or extending from a second portion 96 b, or second side,of the bezel 60 opposing the emitter 70 and the blocking ofelectromagnetic radiation or other signal by the child restraint seatconnector 54 is detected. In yet another alternative aspect, a reflector74 is located at a second portion 96 b of the bezel 60 opposing theemitter 70, reflecting emitted electromagnetic radiation emitted by theemitter 70, which is then detected by the detector 72 a. Depending onthe amount of electromagnetic radiation or other signal detected by thedetector 72 a, 72 b (collectively referred to herein as 72), a signal ofa given voltage is transmitted to a processor 76 coupled to the sensor64 by, e.g., an electrically conductive wire 78 or by radio frequencyusing a transmitter located at the sensor 64 and a receiver coupled tothe processor 76. In aspects, the detector 72 includes a photodetector,such as a charge-coupled device, which is configured to detectelectromagnetic radiation or other signal emitted by the emitter 70. Infurther aspects, the sensor 64 includes only a charge-coupled deviceconfigured to detect changes in ambient electromagnetic radiation (i.e.,electromagnetic radiation emitted by the sun, other sources within thevehicle, such as infrared light sources, visible light sources, etc.)when a child restraint seat connector 54 is inserted into the volume 62and, in further aspects, coupled to the lower anchor 16.

In a further aspect, alternative or additional to the aspect notedabove, the sensor 64 is a contact sensor, such as a strain gauge,pressure sensor, mechanical switch or a piezoelectric sensor, whereinthe child restraint seat connector 54 directly or indirectly contactsthe sensor 64 to indicate that the child restraint seat connector 54 hasbeen inserted into the volume 62 and, in further aspects, coupled to thelower anchor 16. In yet a further aspect, alternative to or additionalto the aspects noted above, the sensor 64 is a proximity sensor, such asan inductive proximity sensor, a hall effect sensor, a capacitivesensor, an eddy current sensor or a magnetic sensor that can detect thepresence of detectible material in the child restraint seat connector54.

It may be appreciated that sensor 64, as well as any of the othersensors 65, 83, 86, etc. described herein, are analog or digitalsensors, configured to provide an output, such as a change inresistance, a change in voltage, or other signals representative of theinformation or conditions detected by the sensor. In aspects, failure ofa sensor 64, 65, 83, 86, etc., to provide an output may indicate animproperly functioning state of the sensor 64, 65, 83, 86, etc. Infurther aspects, the sensor 64, 65, 83, 86, etc., may includeamplifiers, analog to digital convertors or other signal processingcomponents, or signal processing components may be separately includedor included on the processor 76.

FIG. 7 illustrates an aspect of a sensing device 56 that includes a door80 coupled to a structural element 58. As illustrated, the door 80rotates around a pivot 82, which is coupled to a second portion 96 b ofthe bezel 60 or the cross member 34. In aspects, the door 80 is biasedwith a spring 84, which maintains the door 80 in a normally shutposition, closing the volume 62 and opening 98 defined by the structuralelements 58. In addition to, or alternatively to, the sensor 64described in FIG. 5 above, a second sensor 86 is located proximal to thedoor 80. As illustrated, a first portion of the second sensor 86 a isattached to a support arm 102, which is attached to the cross member 34or second portion 96 b of the bezel 60 and the second portion of thesecond sensor 86 b is attached to the door 80. At least one of thesensors 64, 86 is configured to indicate whether the door 80 is in theclosed position (as illustrated in solid line) or open position (asillustrated in dotted line), allowing access to the volume 62 bydetecting one of the presence or proximity of the door 80, the presenceor proximity of a first portion of a second sensor 86 a, the presence orproximity of a second portion of a second sensor 86 b, or changes toambient light, i.e., light that is present in the volume 62. The sensors64, 86 include at least one of the contact, optical and proximitysensors enumerated above. As yet another option, a sensor 83 in the formof a rotary potentiometer or encoder can be attached to the pivot 82 todetect door 80 rotation.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate another aspect of the present disclosurewherein the sensing device 56 includes one or more springs 90, 90 a, 90b or mechanical linkages to trigger a sensor 64 either by contact,optically by altering electromechanical radiation detected by the sensor64, or proximally altering an electromagnetic field. In the case of aspring 90, the spring 90 includes a bend 91 fore of the lower anchor 16or tether anchor 18 relative to the bezel 60 opening 98. In theillustrated aspect of FIG. 8A, the proximal end 92 of the spring 90 isconnected to a lip 94 formed from the bezel 60 at the upper surface orfirst portion 96 a of an opening 98 defined by the bezel 60. As a childrestraint seat connector 54 is inserted into the volume 62, the childrestraint seat connector 54 contacts the spring 90 and pushes the spring90 upward and towards the rear 100 of the bezel 60. Also in theillustrated aspect, a portion of the sensor 64 is mounted to a firstportion 96 a of the bezel 60 and another portion of the sensor 64mounted to a support arm 102, which is connected to a second portion 96b of the structure element 58, i.e., either the cross member 34 or thebezel 60. The support arm 102 includes a guide 104 that, with the bezel60, guides the distal end 106 of the spring 90 towards the sensor 64.The distal end 106 of the spring 90 slides between the guide 104 and thefirst portion 96 a of the bezel 60 located over the guide 104,triggering the sensor 64 when the child restraint seat connector 54 isattached to the lower anchor 16 or tether anchor 18.

In aspects, the sensor 64 includes an emitter 70 and a detector 72 a,which are both present on the support arm 102. In alternative aspects,the sensor 64 includes a detector 72 b coupled to the bezel 60. Infurther alternative aspects, the sensor 64 includes an emitter 70located at the support arm 102, a reflector 74 opposing the emitter 70mounted to the bezel 60, and a detector 72 a positioned adjacent to theemitter 70 on the support arm 102. It may further be appreciated thatthe arrangement of the sensor 64 components, i.e., emitter 70, thedetector 72 a, 72 b and the reflector 74 (if present) may be inverted,such that the emitter 70 is coupled to the bezel 60 and the detector 72b or reflector 74 is connected to the support arm 102. And, in yetfurther alternative aspects, only a detector 72 may be present to formthe sensor 64. Sensors 64 include those enumerated above.

In the aspect illustrated in FIG. 8B, two springs 90 a, 90 b areprovided, wherein each spring 90 a, 90 b, is coupled to a lip 94 a, 94 bformed from the bezel 60 at opposing first and second portions 96 a, 96b at the opening 98 defined by the bezel 60. Both springs 90 a, 90 binclude a bend 91 a, 91 b. Again, as the child restraint seat connector54 is inserted into the volume 62 defined by the bezel 60, the springs90 a, 90 b are pushed towards the rear 100 of the bezel 60. At least onesensor 64 is included for each spring 90 a, 90 b. As the springs 90 a,90 b slide towards the rear 100 of the bezel 60, the springs 90 a, 90 btrigger the sensors 64. In the illustrated aspect, at least one guide104 a, 104 b is provided to guide each spring 90 a, 90 b towards therear 100 of the bezel 60. In the illustrated aspects, the emitters 70,70 and optionally detectors 72 a, are held by support arms 102 a, 102 b,which extend from the rear 100 of the bezel 60. In aspects, the emitters70 are mounted such that they emit away from each other, which mayprevent cross detection of the emitted energy by the detectors 72 b.Further, in the opposing surfaces or portions 96 a, 96 b of the bezel60, detectors 72 b or reflectors 74 are positioned. Variousconfigurations and types of sensors 64 may be utilized including thoseenumerated above.

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate yet a further aspect of a sensing device 56.In this aspect, a biased pushrod 110 is used to activate the sensor 64mounted to an upper surface, or first portion 96 a of the bezel 60. Aspring 90 is mounted at a proximal end 92 to the upper surface or firstportion 96 a near an opening 98 defined by the bezel 60. The spring 90includes a bend 91 aft of the lower anchor 16 or tether anchor 18.Pushing the child restraint seat connector 54 into the volume 62 pushesthe biased pushrod 110 towards the rear of the bezel 60, which in turnpushes the spring 90 upwards towards the first portion 96 a. The distalend 106 of the spring 90 contacts the sensor 64, which includes, e.g., apush button sensor or a proximity sensor. As illustrated, the pushrod110 is held in place by a support 112, which defines a bore 114 forreceiving the pushrod 110. A second spring 116 is used to bias andretract the pushrod 110 when the child restraint seat connector 54 isremoved as seen in FIG. 9A. The second spring 116 also is received inthe bore 114, wherein a first end 118 of the second spring 116 isconnected to a first end 120 of the pushrod 110 and a second end 122 ofthe second spring 116 is connected to the support 112. As illustrated,each end 120, 124 of the pushrod 110 exhibits a diameter greater thanthe elongated body 126 of the pushrod 110 between the pushrod ends 120,124. Movement of the pushrod 110 towards the rear 100 of the bezel 60places the second spring 116 under a load. FIGS. 9C and 9D illustratecross-sectional configurations of the pushrod 110. In FIG. 9C, thepushrod 110 is circular in cross-section and in FIG. 9A thecross-section of the pushrod 110 is an intersected circle producing aflat surface 108 upon which the spring 90 (see FIGS. 9A and 9B) mayride. It may be appreciated, however, that alternative pushrod 110configurations may be selected.

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate another aspect of a sensor 64 for use inthe sensing device 56 of FIGS. 9A and 9B. In this aspect, a rockerswitch is provided as a sensor 64. The end of the pushrod 110 flips thesensor 64 rocker switch. The sensor 64 rocker switch moves or rotatesaround a pivot 130 as the pushrod 110 slides past it. It may beappreciated, however, that the second end 124 of the pushrod 110 mustextend past the sensor 64 rocker switch when the connector 54 isinserted into the volume as illustrated in FIG. 9B, FIG. 10A and FIG.10B.

FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate yet a further aspect of the presentdisclosure, wherein a spring loaded push button 140 is used to trigger asensor 64. In this aspect, the spring loaded push button 140 is mountedin the bezel 60 at an angle A by a support arm 142 that extends downfrom the upper surface, or first portion, 96 a of the bezel 60, whereinangle A is relative to the direction D of insertion of the childrestraint seat connector 54. As illustrated in FIG. 11C, the springloaded push button 140 includes two elongated arms 144 a, 144 bconnected at a proximal end 146 a, 146 b by a block 148. The springloaded push button 140 is mounted into the support arm 142 wherein aspring 150 is positioned around each elongated arm 144 a, 144 b. Whenthe spring loaded push button 140 is forced by a child restraint seatconnector 54 into the rear 100 of the bezel 60, the spring loaded pushbutton 140 travels upward through the support arm 142 and towards thesensor 64. Further the springs 150 are biased and released upon removalof the child restraint seat connector 54. Again, the sensor 64 includesan emitter 70, a detector 72 a, 72 b and optionally a reflector 74. Inaspects, the emitter 70 is mounted to the bezel 60. In alternativeaspects, the sensor 64 includes just a detector 72 a. In aspects, thedetector 72 b or optional reflector 74 are positioned on a secondsupport arm 152. In yet further alterative, or additional aspects, thespring loaded push button 140 includes an element 149 that triggers thesensor 64, when positioned near a detector 72 a, 72 b.

FIG. 12 illustrates yet an additional aspect of the present disclosurewherein the sensing device 56 includes a swing arm 160 that is forcedupward towards a sensor 64 mounted in the rear 100 of the bezel 60 whena child restraint seat connector 54 is forced into the an upper portion95 of the volume 62 at least partially defined by the bezel 60. Theswing arm 160 is coupled to a lip 94 at a pivot 82 extending from theupper surface or first portion 96 a of the bezel 60 near an opening 98defined by the bezel 60. When the child restraint seat connector 54 isremoved, a spring 90 moves the swing arm 160 away from the rear 100 ofthe bezel 60 and downward from the upper surface 96 of the bezel 60. Asyet another option, a rotary potentiometer or encoder sensor can beattached to the pivot 82 to detect swing arm 160 rotation.

It is to be appreciated that in aspects, any combination of sensingdevices 56, including those depicted in FIGS. 5, 7, 8A, 8B, 9A, 9B, 10A,10B, 11A, 11B and 12, may be used for a single passenger seat 32. Forexample, in aspects, all of the sensing devices 56 used for the loweranchors 16 are the same as the sensing device 56 used for the tetheranchor 18. In alternative aspects, the sensing devices 56 used for thelower anchors 16 may be different from the sensing device 56 used forthe tether anchor 18. In yet alternative aspects, the sensing devices 56used for each lower anchor 16 and the tether anchor 18 may be different.

It is to be further appreciated that in additional aspects of the above,one or more pressure sensors 200 a, 200 b (collectively referred toherein as pressure sensors 200), as seen in FIG. 13, may be used tosupplement the sensing devices 56 described above for detecting thepresence of a child restraint seat 10 (see FIG. 1). As illustrated, thepressure sensors 200 a, 200 b are located in the seat base 13, in theseat back 15, or located in both. When the child restraint seat 10 (seeFIG. 1) is placed into the passenger seat 12 the pressure sensors 200are triggered and send a signal to the processor 76. In aspects,reviewing the status of the sensors 64 associated with the anchors 16,18 in combination with the status of the pressure sensors 200 may assistin determining when the correct anchors 16, 18 have been used with thechild restraint seat 10.

Further, in the aspects of devices shown in FIGS. 5, 7, 8A, 8B, 9A, 9B,11A, 11B, and 12, the sensors 64, 65, 83, 86 are triggered and indicatea first voltage or other output, when e.g., 1. the connector 54 isinserted into the defined volume 62; 2.a spring 90, 90 a, 90 b orelement 149 moves within proximity of the sensor 64, 86 detection range;or 3. the sensor is triggered by a pushrod 110, when a child restraintseat connector 54 is coupled to a lower anchor 16 or tether anchor 18.It may further be appreciated that the sensors 64, 86 may also indicatea second voltage or other output, different from the first output, whenthe connector 54, spring 90, 90 a, 90 b, element 149 or pushrod 110, arenot present, such as when a child restraint seat connector 54 is notinserted or not completely inserted into the volume 62 and coupled tothe lower anchor 16 or tether anchor 18. This, second output state mayindicate a background component due to the detection, e.g., of the loweranchor 16 or tether anchor 18, a structural element 58 including aportion 96 b of the bezel 60, a door 80, or a given light level. It yetmay further be appreciated that the sensors 64, 86 may also detect apartial presence, indicating a third voltage or other output, betweenthe first output and the second output, of a connector 54, spring 90, 90a, 90 b, element 149 or pushrod 110, such as when a child restraint seatconnector 54 is partially inserted into the volume 62, or not insertedinto the volume 62 at all and not coupled, or disconnected to the loweranchor 16 or tether anchor 18. In yet further aspects, if the sensor 64is not functioning properly, the sensor 64 indicates a fourth voltage orother output, which less than the second output. In aspects, the fourthoutput is a no-voltage output state. FIG. 14 illustrates an aspect offour different voltage states relative to each other including a firstvoltage, second voltage, third voltage and fourth voltage, describedherein. It may be appreciated that transitions between the voltagestates may exist, which contribute to the curvature that is illustratedbetween the four voltage states.

In view of the variations in detection in the aspects noted above, FIG.8A illustrates an approach wherein the spring 90, in further aspects, isformed from a stamped sheet of metal where the distal end 106 is inproximity to a second sensor 65 when the connector 54 is not attachedaround the lower anchor 16 or tether anchor 18. Thus, the second sensor65 detects the presence of the distal end 106 of the spring 90 when theconnector 54 is not affixed to the lower anchor 16 or tether anchor 18.When the connector 54 is attached to the lower anchor 16 or tetheranchor 18, then the spring 90 is pushed upward causing the hole 93 inthe spring 90 to at least partially align, and in some aspectscompletely align, with the second sensor 65. In this state with thechild restraint seat connector 54 attached to the anchor, 16, 18, thesecond sensor 65 will partially detect the spring 90 when the hole 93 islocated to partially line up with the sensor 65 (as illustrated) or notdetect the spring 90 when the hole 93 is located to completely line upwith the second sensor 65. Likewise, the distal end 106 of the spring 90may be located to interface with the first sensor 64 so that a reducedor partial signal is produced when the child restraint seat connector 54is not attached to the lower anchor 16 or tether anchor 18. When theconnector 54 is attached to the lower anchor 16 or tether anchor 18,then the spring 90 is pushed upward causing the distal end 106 of thespring 90 to completely align, with the first sensor 64 so that a fullsignal is produced when the child restraint seat connector 54 isattached to the lower anchor 16 or tether anchor 18. Thus two or threedifferent levels or magnitudes of signal can be detected by sensors 65and 64.

It may further be appreciated from the illustrations and descriptionprovided with reference to FIGS. 8A, 8B, 9A, 9B, 11A, 11B, 11C, and 12that the child restraint seat connector 54 may move a movable element,such as a spring 90, 90 a, 90 b, a spring loaded push button 140, orswing arm 160, which in aspects exhibit a smaller portion having areduced area, such as a hole (as illustrated in FIG. 8a ), a reductionin volume, or a necked location, which is detected by the second sensor65.

In aspects, the second sensor 65 includes an emitter 71 and a detector73 a, which are both present on the support arm 102. In alternativeaspects, the second sensor 65 includes an emitter 71 on the support arm102 and a detector 73 b coupled to the bezel 60. In further alternativeaspects, the second sensor 65 includes an emitter 71 located at thesupport arm 102, a reflector 75 opposing the emitter 71 mounted to thebezel 60, and a detector 73 a positioned adjacent to the emitter 71. Itmay further be appreciated that the arrangement of the second sensor 65components, i.e., emitter 71, the detector 73 a, 73 b and the reflector75 (if present) may be inverted, such that the emitter 71 is coupled tothe bezel 60 and the detector 73 b or reflector 75 is connected to thesupport arm 102. And, in yet further alternative aspects, only adetector 73 may be present to form the sensor 65. Sensors 65 includethose enumerated above.

It may therefore be appreciated that partial detection may be beneficialfor diagnostics, as some level of signal will always be detected whetheror not the child restraint seat connector 54 is attached to a loweranchor 16 or tether anchor 18. Thus, if a sensor malfunctions andproduces no output, it indicates is a different output than if thesensor is functioning properly and is providing some magnitude of signaloutput. This approach with partial detection can be applied to all ofthe rotational or translational concept embodiments herein.

A lower and upper anchor use detection sensing device of the presentdisclosure offers several advantages. These include the ability todetect the presence of a child restraint seat, which may be used to makevarious determinations, including whether an airbag is to be deployed orwhether a seatbelt indicator is to be activated.

The description of the present disclosure is merely exemplary in natureand variations that do not depart from the gist of the presentdisclosure are intended to be within the scope of the presentdisclosure. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure fromthe spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A child restraint seat sensing system for avehicle having a vehicle passenger seat, the child restraint seatsensing system comprising: a structural element defining a volumedisposed within the structural element, wherein the structural elementis located in the vehicle passenger seat between a seat base and a seatback or is located behind the vehicle passenger seat; a stationaryanchor directly connected to the structural element and disposed withinthe volume; and a sensor mounted to the structural element within thevolume, wherein the sensor includes an emitter and a detector and thesensor is configured to detect whether a child restraint seat connectoris disposed within the volume.
 2. The child restraint seat sensingsystem of claim 1, wherein the structural element includes a bezelconnected to a cross member, the volume is defined by the bezel and thecross member, and further comprising a first portion disposed on thebezel and a second portion disposed on the cross member spaced apartfrom the first portion.
 3. The child restraint seat sensing system ofclaim 2, wherein the emitter is coupled to the first portion of thestructural element and the detector is coupled to the second portion ofthe structural element opposing the first portion, and wherein when thechild restraint seat connector is attached to the stationary anchor thechild restraint seat connector passes between the emitter and thedetector.
 4. The child restraint seat sensing system of claim 2, whereinthe emitter is coupled to the second portion of the structural elementand the detector is coupled to the first portion of the structuralelement opposing the second portion, and wherein when the childrestraint seat connector is attached to the stationary anchor the childrestraint seat connector passes between the emitter and the detector 5.The child restraint seat sensing system of claim 1, wherein thestructural element includes a bezel connected to a cross member, and thevolume is defined by the bezel and the cross member.
 6. The childrestraint seat sensing system of claim 5, wherein the structural elementdefines an opening in communication with the volume and the sensor isdisposed between the opening and the stationary anchor.
 7. The childrestraint seat sensing system of claim 1, wherein the sensor in a firstcondition directly detects the child restraint seat connector within thevolume and in a second condition does not directly detect the childrestraint connector within the volume.
 8. The child restraint seatsensing system of claim 1, wherein the sensor is configured to provideat least two of: a first output when the child restraint seat connectoris attached to the stationary anchor, a second output when the childrestraint seat connector is not attached to the stationary anchor, athird output when the child restraint seat connector is partiallydisposed within the volume, and no output when the sensor malfunctions.9. The child restraint seat sensing system of claim 1, wherein thesensor is aft of the stationary anchor relative to an opening forreceiving the child restraint seat connector defined in the structuralelement.
 10. The child restraint seat sensing system of claim 1, furthercomprising one or more occupancy sensors positioned within the vehiclepassenger seat.
 11. The child restraint seat sensing system of claim 1,further comprising a processor in communication with the sensor.
 12. Thechild restraint seat sensing system of claim 1, wherein the emitter andthe detector consist of an array of sensors.
 13. A child restraint seatsensing system for a vehicle having a vehicle passenger seat, the childrestraint seat sensing system comprising: a structural element defininga volume disposed within the structural element, wherein the structuralelement is located in the vehicle passenger seat between a seat base anda seat back or is located behind the vehicle passenger seat; astationary anchor directly connected to the structural element anddisposed within the volume; a child restraint seat connector having aconnecting portion at an end thereof, wherein when in a first positionthe child restraint seat connector is within the volume and theconnecting portion is connected to the stationary anchor and when in asecond position the child restraint seat connector is not disposedwithin the volume; and a sensor mounted to the structural element withinthe volume, wherein the sensor includes an emitter, a reflector, and adetector, and wherein the sensor directly senses the child restraintseat connector when in the first position and does not directly sensethe child restraint seat connector when in the second position.
 14. Thechild restraint seat sensing system of claim 13, wherein the structuralelement includes a bezel connected to a cross member, the volume isdefined by the bezel and the cross member, and further comprising afirst portion disposed on the bezel and a second portion disposed on thecross member spaced apart from the first portion.
 15. The childrestraint seat sensing system of claim 14, wherein the emitter and thedetector are coupled to the first portion of the structural element andthe reflector is coupled to the second portion of the structural elementopposing the first portion, and wherein when the child restraint seatconnector is in the first position the child restraint seat connector isdisposed between the emitter and the reflector.
 16. The child restraintseat sensing system of claim 14, wherein the emitter and the detectorare coupled to the second portion of the structural element and thereflector is coupled to the first portion of the structural elementopposing the second portion, and wherein when the child restraint seatconnector is in the first position the child restraint seat connector isdisposed between the emitter and the reflector.
 17. The child restraintseat sensing system of claim 14, wherein the stationary anchor isconnected at its ends adjacent to the bezel.
 18. The child restraintseat sensing system of claim 14, wherein the stationary anchor isconnected at its ends to the cross member.
 19. The child restraint seatsensing system of claim 13, wherein the emitter, reflector, and thedetector consist of an array of sensors.
 20. The child restraint seatsensing system of claim 13, wherein the sensor is configured to provideat least two of the following: a first output when the child restraintseat connector is in the first position, a second output when the childrestraint seat connector is in the second position, a third output whenthe child restraint seat connector is in a third position where thechild restraint seat connector is partially disposed within the volumeand the connecting portion is not connected to the stationary anchor,and no output when the sensor malfunctions.